Puzzles on Yabba

Post

Subscribe

No matter where I travel, even if only for a day’s visit, I always google the town and the surrounding districts to see if there is a hidden gem to discover.

My recent trip took me to the small rural town of Imbil , which is situated in the Wide Bay Burnett district of the Mary River Valley. The town was established in 1868 at the start of the gold rush. My friends were camping at the well-known child-friendly camping spot on the banks of the river, and I decided to visit and catch up for lunch at the historic Railway Hotel.



The beauty of staying in a small place like Imbil is that there is nowhere you cannot walk as the town is compact and businesses are within easy walking distance of each other. Small towns thrive from weekend visitors and going by the four-deep line of customers outside the Bakery, patrons in the café and the hotel for lunch, Imbil is another country gem, which has been discovered by those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to the fresh air of the country.

(Author's Photo)

Puzzles on Yabba is a jigsaw puzzle gallery, which was established eleven years ago by now local Johnno, as he likes to be called, who left the city and work in the construction industry for a more laid-back lifestyle. Creating these masterpieces has been a passion for many years and he said there is nothing more enjoyable, especially on a rainy day, than to immerse yourself in the world of puzzles. Alongside the larger puzzles on the walls, Johnno has posted signs depicting the number of pieces in the puzzle, sorting time and assembly hours. Definitely, on the larger pieces, this man has more patience than me but justifiably, gives me and other visitors a vast appreciation of his work.

(Author's Photo)

If you only want to look at the gift shop, then there is no charge, but if you are as curious as I was, entry to the gallery is $7.00 for adults, $15.00 for families and children under twelve years are free. Group bookings are available, and Johnno is more than happy to give you a tour and answer questions. The Gallery is open on Saturday and Sunday from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm.

(Author's Photo)

The Gallery is located under his place of residence and on entry I was amazed at the endless turns to different rooms; each with more spectacular wall hangings than the room before. Not only is his creative ability depicted in all the puzzles displayed, but his design of the gallery also gives visitors themed areas in which to follow.

(Author's Photo)

Johnno makes wooden puzzles for children, and these are displayed on shelves in the front of the gallery. These puzzles are great ideas for campers or children of any age as they are non-breakable, and the pieces are large enough for little ones to manage.

(Author's Photo)

Although my girlfriend was in awe of the larger pieces, I was drawn to the 3-D creations of the Sydney Opera House, Hogwarts Astronomy Tower, skyscraper buildings, a working globe, and a jigsaw vase that had a compartment fitted inside the middle of the vase, which could hold water for real flowers.

(Author's Photo)

In the middle of the gallery was a ‘glow in the dark room,’ which was breathtaking, to say the least, as all four walls were lit up with wall and 3-D puzzles in a mesmerized space. My girlfriend commented that with a comfortable lounge, this could easily be a meditative space to relax.

(Author's Photo)

So, with over three hundred and twenty, 2-D and 3-D and spherical puzzles, this is a place you will want to visit next time you are in Imbil. Johnno has five of the largest in the world with over 20,000 pieces in each. The Disney Characters Puzzle contains 40,320 pieces and the World Tourist Destination Puzzle has over 50,000 pieces.

(Author's Photo)

As well, there are artefacts from Papua New Guinea where his parents resided for a period of time including a chopping board estimated to be over five hundred years old and an intricate stone carving from The Highlands of Papua New Guinea, which was found embedded in a creek bank. Along with these exhibits, there are coins from China of the Ming Dynasty 15th, 18th and 19th Centuries, pre and post-decimal Australian coins, commemorative bi-centennial sets, stamps from first-day covers and much more.

(Author's Photo)

Puzzles on Yabba is definitely worth a visit, whether you are scheduled to go to Imbil or in the area, make the turn to Imbil and you will not be disappointed in the town or what the town has to offer.



Puzzles on Yabba can be found at 126 Yabba Creek Road, Imbil.

%wngympie
#games
#children
#museums
#family_friendly